Shaker cap



April 1937- J. J. GRANTONIC 2,076,233

SHAKER CAP Filed April 28, 1936 Invenlot 25 f f fra/ifo/r/c g Attorneysv 1.3g Q E m M Patented Apr. 6, 1937 UNITED STATES PATENT- OFFICE signorof twenty-five per cent to Frank McLister, Mingo Junction, Ohio 7Application April 28, 1936, Serial No. 76,829

3 Claims. (01. 65-45) This invention relates to that classification ofkitchen and table accessories classified in the trade and elsewhere ascondiment shakers and has structural reference in particular toso-called combination or two-way salt and pepper shakers wherein thesalt is separated from the pepper and the discharge thereof controlledby selectively usable valved cap means permitting requisite discharge ofthe salt or the pepperat will.

As implied by the introductory paragraph, I am aware that the broadproposition of duplex condiment shakers is old in the art towhich theinvention relates and it is, therefore, my primary aim to provide a newtype of valved closing cap possessed of noteworthy refinements andimprovements susceptible of bringing about the new and novel resultsdesired.

Moreover, I aim to provide a structure whose features are in keepingwith the modern trend of simplicity and economy, whereby to provide analternately controllable effectively operable structure capable of easyand natural use.

Other features and advantages .wlll become more readily apparent fromthe following description and drawing.

In the drawing wherein like numerals are employed to designate likeparts throughout the same:----

Figure 1 is a view partly in section and partly in elevation showingwhat may be described as fragmentary vertical sectional view of acondiment shaker embodying a valved closure and discharge unitconstructed in accordance with my own inventive idea.

Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure l, the sec! tions being atapproximate right angles to illustrate the oscillatory counter-weightvalve operator or unit.

* Figure 3 is atop plan view of what may be described as the inner cap.

Figure 4 is an edge elevational view of the outer closing cap.

Figure 5 is a bottom plan view of Figure 4.

Figure 6 is a fragmentary sectional and elevational view of theso-called inner cap illustrating approximately how the valve lifting oropening operation isaccomplished.

In the drawing the condiment shaker proper is denoted by the numeral Iand is of appropriate glass or similar construction and is divided by acentral partitionfl into individual compartments 9 and III to containthe respective charges of salt and pepper (not shown). The inner capfits telescopically into the discharge endof the shaker and is providedwith keeper notches l2 which notches engage over the partition as shownin Figures 1 and 2. There is an outstanding annulus or lip l3 whichrests on the mouth of the shaker and is held in place by thecomplemental flange ll of the clamping ring l5. The ring is 5 preferablythreaded to engage existing threads on the shaker I. The diametricallyopposite salt and pepper discharge ports are denoted by the numerals I6and H. The depressed cup-like central portion l8 "constitutes themechanism pocket or 0 chamber.

'A slidable valve rod is indicated at I! and is slidably mounted insuitable guides and the terminals or end portions 20 and 2| functionasvalving nibs and are projectable into the ports I6 5 and H to controlthese, in an obvious manner. The central portion of the rod is formedwith a U-shaped bend 22 which constitutes an actuating element.Normally, this is centralized and the nibs 20 and 2| fit into and closethe ports l8 and 20 H (as shown in Figure 1) The oscillatory gravitycontrolled weighted unit is denoted by the numeral 23 and comprises anoscillatory rocker shaft 24 journalled in an appropriate way in the capand extending at 25 right angles to and intersecting the valve rod IS.The central portion of this shaft is bent as indicated at 25 tointerlock with the actuating element 22 and to functionas a sort of atappet or cam. Mounted on this shaft on opposite sides 30 of thecoordinated features 22 and 25 are the eccentric control weights 26 ofduplicate construction.

The, main or outer closing cap is denoted by the numeral 21 and thisfits over the inner valved, 35

cap. Its. rim portion rests upon the flange l4 and is provided withdiametrically opposite clearance notches 21! and outstanding aperturedadapter means 28 forming requisite sifting and shaking elements. Thesescreen-like sifters 28 0 register with the valved portions l6 and H. Theouter cap is a slip-on friction-fit type and may, if desired, bedispensed with. That is to say, the principal control means is the innervalved cap and its self-contained mechanism. 45 It is evident that whenthe cooperating caps, as a unit, are in place, the valve ports l6 and IIare normally closed, that is when the shaker I is setin an uprightposition on the table. On the other hand, it is evident that when thesalt 50 shaker is inverted to'discharge the salt or pepper as the casemay be, the counter-weights swing over as shown in Figure 6 bringinginto play the cameo-acting elements 22 and 25. This lifts the valve rodit up, uncovering the then lower dis- 55 charge opening l8 and allowingthe opposite end 2i to project through and beyond the remainingdischarge port I1. Consequently, the mere tilting or inverting of theshaker causes the valve 5 actuating and control means to swingautomatically into play for eflective results. Then when the shaker isrighted to perpendicular position both ports are closed and the contentsprotected against unnecessary entrance of moisture.

10 The gist of the invention is predicated upon a closing cap havingdiametrically opposite discharge ports eflectlvely usable, and a singlecontrol rod IS with its end portions projectable into and simultaneouslyclosing the ports, and the 15 oscillatory weighted unit and cam coactingelements between the rod and said unit.

It is thought that persons skilled in the art to which the inventionrelates will be able to obtain a clear understanding of the inventionafter con- 20 sidering the description in connection with the drawing.Therefore, a more lengthy description is regarded as unnecessary.

Minor changes in shape, size and rearrangement of details coming withinthe field of inven- 5 tion claimed may be resorted to in actualpractice.

if desired.

I claim: 1. A closing cap of the class described including a rim portionhaving diametrically opposite discharge ports, a slidable rod havingvalving nibs projecting into and closing said ports, oscillatory valvecontrol means mounted in said cap, and including a rocker shaft andeccentric weights of a gravity controlled type carried by said shaft.

2. A valve cap for a double acting condiment shaker including a bodyhaving a rim provided manner, a rocker shaft disposed at right angles tosaid rod and mounted in said cap, eccentric weights on said shaft, andcam coacting elements between the rod and shaft.

3. In a valving cap for duplex shakers, a cap having means to attach itto the shaker and including a rim provided with a pair of diametricallyopposite discharge ports, a slidably mounted valving member carried bysaid cap having its end portions slidably projectable into said ports, aweighted shaft confined and mounted for oscillation in said cap, andcoacting cam elements between intersecting portions of said shaft andvalve member in the manner and for the purposes described.

JOHN J. GRANTONIC.

